Trent Bridge

Read thrilled bynNotts captaincy

Featured News | 5th September 2007

Chris Read is confident he will soon be lifting more silverware for Nottinghamshire after being named as the new club captain.

The 29-year-old wicketkeeper will replace Stephen Fleming, who will not be returning to Trent Bridge in 2008.

And Read believes that if Notts secure promotion this season, he will be inheriting a squad capable of repeating their 2005 feat and lifting the LV County Championship trophy.

He said: “The Championship is the ultimate target for any county and if we manage to get into Division One, we have got the talent to win it again.

“Flem has been a terrific captain for us and if I can bring half of his leadership skills to the side then I’ll be happy.

“I’m in a fortunate position to be leading a very skilled group of players, and I want to continue the process where everyone is looking to achieve success in a united dressing room.”

Read has enjoyed another productive season in county cricket this year, twice setting new career-bests with the bat and becoming the first Notts wicketkeeper to score a double-hundred with 240 against Essex.

He was named as club vice-captain at the start of the season and also led Notts Outlaws in the 2004 Twenty20 Cup campaign.

And while Read has also been in and out of the England side in recent years, he insists that he is not concerned about adding to his 51 Test and One-day International caps.

He added: “If an England call comes my way, then great, but my priority is to keep Notts moving forward and challenging for trophies.

“This is a huge thing for me, and a wonderful opportunity which I’m delighted to take on.”

Director of Cricket Mick Newell said: “We have been able to look at the alternatives available in the past year and Chris was the stand-out candidate.

“I believe he will be an excellent captain. He is a very thoughtful cricketer and has had the chance to learn at close quarters from Stephen Fleming over the past three seasons.

“His own game is in very good order and the job has come at the right time in his career. This is a challenge I’m sure he will rise to.”